Post-baby thud and my 30’s/40’s
My third baby wrecked my body. I love him and I absolutely encourage anyone on the fence to have a third to go for it! But I didn’t have the “bounce back” with my third that I had with my previous two. Whatever the “bounce back” exactly means, there was no bounce. More of a thud than a bounce. But there’s always more to a photo though than meets the eye.
The photo on the left popped up the other day in my phone memories. It was a stressful and overwhelming time for several reasons. It was July 2019-hence the Fourth of July outfit because I never miss the opportunity for a theme. My youngest was almost 4 months old, I had just returned to work 20 hours/week, my husband had a lot going on, and I had minimal help outside of paying for childcare. I had been pregnant 4 times with 3 babies in the span of 40 months and had nursed each of them well beyond the year mark.
We know every baby and pregnancy is different, but so is post-partum. The third baby was the worst sleeper, and I felt such a deep fatigue caring for a 20-month-old and newly three-year-old. My body seemed to hold onto the weight and fluid. I was the same weight at the time of that picture as I was leaving the hospital. Not that is about weight whatsoever, but I just felt so outside of myself. I’ve always been very routine driven- I meal plan, move daily, and eat well, but hormones! The fluid, bloat, blah, just wasn’t budging. It honestly took until I finished nursing him 2.5 years later to feel and look more like myself. My body just held onto the extra few pounds. I had been pregnant and breastfeeding non-stop from 2015 to 2021.
I learned a few things that I can appreciate almost 6 years later. First, hormones are real. Second, It’s all a phase, a blip in time. But it’s hard not feeling like yourself and that is totally valid. Doing little things to care for yourself to keep going each day. Building routines for yourself to keep yourself sane. Just because you don’t see change doesn’t mean it’s not working- keep going! It’s easy to give up if you don’t see a change you desire but focus on how you feel. I knew movement and taking care of myself would keep me strong and in a better mental state to care for my family. The biggest shift has been less miles and more weight training. As a physical therapist, I constantly think about finding thresholds for change, finding the right inputs to create a stimulus for change. We are dynamic beings and are capable of change at any age.
With age, we don’t necessarily have to accept “this is how it is.” At the time of the picture on the right, I’m almost 41. I’m maybe a few pounds lighter on the picture on the right, but my body composition is dramatically different. We don’t have to accept our future as women that weight gain and feeling crappy is inevitable. Small things done daily and consistently make all the difference. I feel passionate about building routines and tangible ways to feel our best to help provide for others. My own mom had a victim mindset of aging and many other things, which I think contributed to her early death at 61. Perhaps that’s another topic for another day.
Much of what I do at CryoWellness Studio is rooted in what I wish someone would have done for me (or my mom) at different points of my life. Constantly thinking about what inputs for a change and I firmly believe this can be an important domino for a series of positive change. If you are in a season of hard and not feeling like yourself, keep going. Change your inputs. Start walking for 10 minutes but investing in your mental and physical health will make all the difference. It’s been said before and it’s true, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You are your most important investment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Post-Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction
If you are planning a procedure this year to improve your confidence, be sure to include lymphatic drainage as part of your post-operative plans.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be a great tool to improve post-operative outcomes following a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. The primary functions of lymphatic system is to absorb protein and water from the interstitum, absorb nutritional fatty acids, and serves immunological functions.
Lymphatic vessels are present throughout the body and form a network of pathways to remove excess fluid from the interstitum. Regardless of the reason for surgery, surgery interrupts the lymphatic network resulting in less efficiency in removing fluid in addition to an inflammatory response from surgery. An inflammatory response is a normal phase of soft tissue repair followed by proliferative and remodeling of tissue of tissue. Swelling of tissue related to surgery results in lack of oxygen to traumatized tissue, decrease transport of macrophages (white blood cells) to area, decrease transport of basic substances needed for tissue healing, irritation of pain nerve receptors, and scar tissue formation.
Due to the network of lymphatic vessels being interrupted, an insufficiency will be present creating a high protein edema. MLD can be beneficial for numerous reasons. MLD can have numerous benefits post-operative period whether from cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage works to increase lymph production and increase venous return. Working with both intent and purpose with directional stretch increase superficial return and deeper techniques (as indicated) can influence deep venous systems. MLD helps pull fluid from interstitium back into lymphatic system and speeds up healing process by reducing swelling and increase the removal of cellular debris. MLD can decrease the tendency of fibrotic tissue due to reabsorption of protein from interstitium and improve skin tissue by boosting healing response. Ultimately, the result being decrease pain and improved healing to maximize outcomes.
Surgery can often feel like the end, but really the beginning of healing. Despite the nature of outpatient or short hospitalization for reconstruction, having a plan in place to support your recovery is important after the cut. Providing yourself the gift of increased confidence is invaluable, and you deserve post-operative care to maximize your results.
Facial Sculpting
Drain. Lift. Tone. Sculpt.
Facial Sculpting Technique is a natural rejuvenation technique to promote lymphatic drainage, lift and tone muscles of face, increase microcirculation, and sculpting jawline and cheekbones. The face is the ultimate place where our emotions shape our face, and our face shapes our appearance.
Our face is full of muscles and lymph nodes, but why do we only care for our face with creams, serums, and moisturizers? Facial Sculpting is like going to the gym for your face. Using tactile input to improve motor outcome to improve tone and lift with alternating techniques of strengthening and relaxation. Stimulating facial muscles encourages microcirculation and muscle awareness. Using these techniques clears stagnation and facilitates muscles resulting in the appearance of your face more naturally lifted and brighter.
This technique is a great way to clear emotions and relieve jaw tension. Our jaw has a connection to our hips and pelvic floor and tends to be a place where people frequently carry their stress. Using intraoral techniques to not only remodel the scaffolding of the face but relieve tension overall.
Speaking of connections, we have numerous Fascial Lines that connect around the face and jaw. Exploring Tom Myers Anatomy Trains provides additional information how our face connects with other areas of our body such as our pelvic floor, plantar surface of our foot, and our knees through superficial back line, superficial front line, lateral line, and spiral line. Exploring the connections of the face with the rest of the body appreciates the full connection of our face to our body.
In some cases, we can add exercises to target the tongue and face muscles to improve breathing and positioning of the tongue to restore function in the face and beyond. Tongue position greatly influences whether we are a nose versus mouth breather and there are greater systemic impacts of this of how our face develops, reaching a deeper state of sleep, and digestion.
This session often includes scalp mobility, suboccipital releases, scapula mobility, gua sha, localized cryotherapy, and optional add-ons of red light, recovery boots, sensate, and PureLiftPro.
Facial Sculpting Technique is the ultimate feel good to look good appointment that goes beyond the superficial. Curious? Book your session.
Introducing Gua Sha Kit- available now!
Introducing our new Gua Sha Ritual Kit- thoughtfully designed to elevate your routine and rituals.
Items are paired with our zipper bubble bag, providing both protection and function. This cute bag has zipper closure to keep all your items together.
Begin with our cold-pressed grapeseed oil for long-lasting hydration. This lightweight oil improves skin moisture, elasticity, and softness. Grapeseed oil also contains powerful antioxidants that may help even out skin tone when used consistently. Grapeseed oil penetrates skin quickly and does not clog pores, making it ideal for all skin types.
Finally, use our bian stone gua sha. This facial gua sha is designed to life, tone, and sculpt. Gua Sha visibly rejuvenates the skin the light pulling and lifting to support the skin. Benefits of gua sha include promoting lymphatic drainage, relieving muscle tension, clearing congestion, calming nervous system, and increase circulation.
Not only can gua sha be used on the face, but the body as well. Gua sha is an excellent tool for soft tissue instrument assisted mobilization. IASTM manipulates tissue to improve blood flow, increase range of motion, and decrease pain. A video is available to provide instruction and tips for use.
When practiced regularly, you can transform your face and your body.
Eden X CryoWellness Studio
Introducing Mindful Mondays, a new partnership with Eden Spa. Essentially the same offerings will be available at Eden on Mondays, but elevated with their beautiful products and space. I’m most excited about Eden x CryoWellness Studio Signature Detox Special. Below are more details.
At Eden x Cryowellness Studio partnership, we offer the ultimate wellness session where luxury meets purpose. This is more than self-care—it's an intentional journey designed to rejuvenate your body and enhance your overall well-being. Here, we explain the "why" behind each procedure so you can fully appreciate its benefits and understand how this experience is purpose-driven.
Transitioning to Relaxation
Your session begins with a simple yet powerful ritual: changing into a white robe and enjoying a calming tea. This moment invites you to transition your mindset, stepping away from the stresses of daily life and into a space of relaxation and self-care. It’s a deliberate pause that primes your body and mind for the treatments ahead.
Lymphatic Cream Application
Next, we apply lymphatic cream from Rowe Casa Organics. This all-natural cream is specially formulated to stimulate lymphatic drainage, which optimizes your immune and circulatory systems. By enhancing these foundational bodily functions, the cream amplifies the benefits of the entire session, setting the stage for a holistic wellness experience.
Facial Sculpting: A Workout for Your Face
Facial sculpting is designed to give your face the workout it deserves. Just like the rest of your body, your face is full of muscles that benefit from intentional care. This procedure begins with lymphatic drainage for the neck and face, followed by customized muscle and fascia work tailored to your needs. Techniques include:
Intraoral Methods: These helps release tension, reduce puffiness, and soften lines.
Osea Face Oil: Used throughout the process, this oil nourishes and supports the skin while enhancing the sculpting techniques.
Infrared Sauna Blanket: Sweating for Wellness
While undergoing facial sculpting, you’ll also experience the benefits of an infrared sauna blanket. This promotes sweating, a natural and effective way to detoxify through the skin. Additional benefits include:
Boosting circulation.
Enhancing muscle recovery.
Supporting overall well-being.
The blanket’s heat levels can be adjusted for your comfort, ensuring a soothing and effective experience.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Restoring Balance
Following the sauna session, we perform manual lymphatic drainage. This specialized massage technique provides numerous benefits:
Strengthening the immune system.
Reducing fluid retention.
Facilitating the removal of metabolic waste and toxins.
Decreasing inflammation.
Supporting digestive health.
Restoring balance to the body.
We offer two techniques:
Vodder Technique: Performed with precise hand movements directly on the skin.
Renata França Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: Incorporates oil for a more dynamic approach.
The oil we use, Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil, is rich in antioxidants and provides deep hydration, helping to tone and firm the skin while enhancing the lymphatic process. This oil is also available for purchase at Eden Cryowellness Studio.
Chlorophyll Drink: Nourishment from Within
To conclude your session, we offer a nutrient-rich chlorophyll drink. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, supports your body on a molecular and cellular level. Its benefits include:
Promoting intestinal, digestive, and immune health.
Neutralizing body odors.
Boosting energy and overall well-being.
This refreshing, minty drink serves as the perfect closing note to your wellness experience.
Contrast Therapy: The Hot-Cold Balance
Finally, we encourage you to try a cold shower to reap the benefits of contrast therapy. Alternating between hot and cold can:
Improve circulation.
Enhance recovery.
Invigorate the senses.
If cold isn’t your preference, simply enjoy a warm shower to prepare yourself to re-enter the world with a renewed sense of vitality.
At Eden Cryowellness Studio, every step of this process is carefully curated to deliver an experience with purpose. Each procedure is not just about relaxation but also about fostering wellness from the inside out. We invite you to discover how intentional self-care can transform your health and well-being.
Lymphatic System-Rivers of Immunity
The Lymphatic System is connected to every inch of our body and is the “housekeeper” of our body by cleansing and nourishing every system in our body. Lympha in Greek means water, and every cell in our body is bathed by its fluid. It’s often overlooked missing link in health and the unsung hero to maintain health of our cells and organs. Good flow for good health.
There are two circulatory systems in our body- the cardiovascular and lymphatic. The lymphatic system is essentially the waste management system of your body by removing cellular and metabolic waste, absorbs nutritional fatty acids, aiding in proper digestion, maintains fluid balance, and plays an essential role in immune health.
The lymphatic system is an intricate highway that runs parallel to the cardiovascular system and is primarily superficial in nature. This is why manual lymphatic drainage is so effective. The lymphatic collectors transports fluids ultimately to the lymph nodes, where it is filtered, and returns the blood stream at the terminus at the venous angle. Eventually, it will be processed through kidneys and livers and eliminated through bowel and urine.
Components of the Lymphatic System:
Lymph vessels (collectors)
Lymph nodes
Spleen
Thymus
Tonsils
Lymphocytes
Peyers
How does the lymphatic system work?
The arterial system connects to the venous system through capillaries and gradually declining pressure. At the capillary level, there is a constant exchange of proteins and fluid to optimize pressure. Lymphatic system removes and absorbs items that are too large to enter venous system from in the interstitium space. This includes proteins, long chain fatty acids, pathogens, cellular debris, viruses, dust, excessive hormones, and plasma. The lymphatic system also absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from digestive system and delivers these nutrients back to the bloodstream. One this fluid enters the lymphatic system through lymph capillaries from the interstitium, it’s called lymph.
The lymph ultimately makes its way to lymph nodes. There are 600-800 lymph nodes located through the body with the majority of nodes located in abdomen and 1/3 of lymph nodes located in head and neck. Lymphatics in your gut make up 70% of your immune system and play a large role in extracting nutrients from the foods in you eat.
Upon arrival to the lymph nodes, they function to filter out harmful substances, storage of white blood cells, and regulate the concentration of proteins. Lymph nodes are organized into groups within their respective tributary areas, and this is the basis for manual lymphatic drainage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a unidirectional pump to move excessive fluid out of tissues back to lymphatic nodes. Lymphatic System does not have a central pump, but relies on pulsing of arteries, movement, and deep breathing for mobility. Breathwork is an essential portion to activate deep lymphatic circulation. Normal frequency of lymphangion contraction is 6-10x/minute but may increase to 10x with exercise and MLD.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, breathwork, and consistent movement are invaluable tools for lymphatic system. Slow and stagnant fluid creates inflammation and deterioration of health. In our current era, with more sitting and toxins in our products, being more diligent and aware the role lymphatics play in our health and how you can care for yourself. Although there are many sources of these symptoms, poor lymphatic health can be a contributing factor to these below.
Signs of Lymphatic Congestion
Acne, allergies, bloating, brain fog, chronic earaches, constipation, difficulty losing weight, digestive issues, edema, fatigue, fibroids/cysts, headaches, hormone imbalances, eczema and rashes, tonsillitis, muscle and joint stiffness, lymphedema, scar tissue, sinus congestion, sore throat
Working with a qualified professional can help you with your lymphatic health. If you have an impaired lymphatic system related to cancer, radiation, injury, or primary impairment, I recommend looking for a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). These professionals have completed 135-hour medical course.
In upcoming blog posts, I will dive more into other offerings in my studio and lymphatics and specific conditions.